German Hunting Union (DJV – Deutscher Jagdverband)

The German Hunting Union (DJV) is the largest hunting organization in Germany, founded in 1949. DJV represents the interests of hunters, is engaged in nature conservation, the sustainable use of natural resources and the popularization of hunting traditions. The Union actively participates in the development of legislation related to hunting and wildlife protection, and also supports scientific research and educational programs for hunters. As of 2022/23, there were about 434,370 hunting license holders throughout Germany. As of 2019, there were 388,529 hunting license holders in Germany, including 27,190 women (7%). This means that the number of hunters in Germany is growing, and there is a significant increase in female hunters. The total area of the hunting grounds, i.e. the total area of all areas not belonging to the so-called peaceful areas and therefore suitable for hunting, is about 319,000 km2, which accounts for about 89% of the total area of Germany. Areas and hunting license holders are distributed among the individual federal states (lands). The German Hunting Association (DJV) was founded on 30 November 1949 as the German Hunting Protection Association in Bad Dürkheim as an association of the West German state hunting associations and organized around 70% of the approximately 100,000 hunting license holders in the Federal Republic at that time. The name was a deliberate link to the Allgemeine Deutscher Jagdschutz-Verein (ADJV), a hunting association founded in 1875, which was influenced by the German nobility and, at its dissolution in 1934, was last led by Alfons Prinz von Isenburg. The most important and ultimately achieved political goal of the DJV at the time of its foundation was the extensive incorporation of the Reich Hunting Act into the hunting law of the federation and the Länder. DJV Structure and Membership. The German Hunting Association (DJV for short, officially German Hunting Association – Association of German State Hunting Associations for the Protection of Game, Hunting and Nature) is a non-profit, registered association and the association of 15 German state hunting associations based in Berlin. Deutscher Jagdverband operates through a network of regional associations spread across Germany’s federal states (Länder). These branches organize events, provide resources, and represent local interests within the broader framework of the national union. Membership is open to individuals who share the values of ethical hunting and environmental responsibility. Through its regional hunting associations, the DJV had around 257,000 members in 2023. The state hunting associations are subdivided as independent organizations into district groups and Hegeringe. The DJV's primary mission is to preserve and promote responsible hunting traditions while ensuring the long-term sustainability of ecosystems. It emphasizes the importance of balancing human activities with the needs of wildlife and their habitats. Key objectives include: • Wildlife and Hunting Management. The DJV advocates for science-based approaches to managing animal populations, such as deer, wild boar, and other game species. This includes controlling population sizes to prevent overgrazing and habitat destruction. • German Conservation Efforts. By working closely with environmental groups, government agencies, and local communities, the DJV supports projects aimed at protecting endangered species and restoring natural habitats. • Hunting Education and Training. The organization places a strong emphasis on educating its members about ethical hunting practices, safety protocols, and ecological awareness. It also offers training programs for aspiring hunters to ensure they meet high standards before obtaining licenses. • Hunting Rights Policy Advocacy. As a lobbying group, the DJV engages actively in political discussions at both national and European levels. It strives to influence legislation that affects hunting rights, land use, and biodiversity conservation. Address: Deutscher e Jagdverband.V. 185/186 Friedrichstraße, 10117 Berlin, Germany. Phone number: +49 30 209 1394 0 Official website: www.jagdverband.de